The East Gate of Choban-La

Music: Revelations by Craig Armstrong from the Plunkett & Macleane soundtrack

Entering through the East Gate was not difficult – Firliadeth had all but placed them before it.  As the Angel spoke to them, and granted them entry, Mina only half recalled her words and warnings -the lyrical voice mingled into the thoughts that were already swirling inside Mina’s mind. 

 

In The Northern Forests

When I took the errand on behalf of H’arun, this was not what I expected. Surely my path has strayed far. Or perhaps it was always leading me here.

I don’t know if this is penance for having acted rashly in H’arun. I am still rolling that scenario around in my mind. An elf, deceiver and aligned with evil.  I am unable to fathom it, but it was true. His spirit will be soiled with his treason to our people. I can feel the irisûr within driving my hand to hunt him.

But that is not where my path currently lies. If Celathos is to be stayed by my hand, surely he will cross my path again.  I do not doubt this, as now we are actively working against his goals.

 

Coming of Age

Music: The Council of Elrond  by Howard Shore from The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring

Mina stepped through the copse of birches onto the walkway, a flutter in her breast unlike she had ever experienced. Until today, her path lay before her, spread out like the mantle of state is smoothed over the shoulders of the newly crowned – unquestioned in tradition and expectation. But today, she would join the ranks of her people in their seeking, in the Coming of Age.

 

The Legend of the Seven Songs

Music: The Grace of Undomiel by Howard Shore, Soundtrack of the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Artwork: Susan Seddon Boulet

In the  Arunidae Cycle (elven myths, legends, history and prophecy), it is written that the races of elves sprung from seven songs of creation.  The first four songs are the Songs of the Breath –  the blessings of the elven existence. There is no clear distinction as to who sang the first songs, although most elves believe it to be the Gods.The last three are the Songs of the Root, forming the three separate clans: The Tuatha, the Lumeril and Faradwen, as sung by their progenitors.

 

Tinuvelfaer & Maelwen: The Last Morning

Music:  Flight to the Ford by Howard Shore, Soundtrack of the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.

As the first beacon ray of dawn seared through the casement, Maelwen opened her eyes and gazed upon Tinuvelfaer for what she knew would be the last time. He lay there curled up to the curve of her pregnant belly, lost in the Reverie to refresh himself before the last battle.  She swept a delicate finger across his brow, torn between fierce pride and depths of sorrow that threatened to drown her. He would lead Tuathans to victory and salvation.

He was the necessary sacrifice, beloved of Ketephys.